Fort Madison - Marina Drive

The Fort Madison Marina at 318 Riverview Drive offers a well-developed boat launch facility on the Mississippi River in Fort Madison, Iowa. This access point features two launch ramps suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, along with modern amenities including transient docking, 30-amp electric hookups, premium gas, pump-out station, restrooms, and shower facilities. A hospitality building with restaurant and bar services is available, and the marina provides both short-term and long-term docking options with water and Wi-Fi connections on floating docks.

As a major river system (Stream Order 10), the Mississippi River at this location is a substantial waterway with significant flow (average 685,000+ cubic feet per second) and current. Paddlers should be prepared for swift water conditions and understand that this is a heavily traveled commercial navigation channel. The river's gentle average gradient of 0.8 feet per mile creates manageable conditions for most boaters, but the high velocity requires proper skills and awareness. This access site is an excellent starting point for day trips and longer paddle expeditions on one of North America's most iconic rivers.